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Remember, if you see a downed or damaged wire, call 9-1-1 and ask for Fire

Posted Date: November 15, 2017

Imagine a fall windstorm is underway and there’s a downed or damaged power line on your street. Do you know what to do? The City of Port Moody wants you to remember this easy rule: if you see a downed or damaged wire, call 9-1-1 and ask for Fire.

A downed or damaged power line can be a danger. To ensure the public’s safety, this emergency situation requires a quick response from a service that’s staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week – that’s why you need to call 9-1-1. So remember, if you see a downed or damaged wire, call 9-1-1 and ask for Fire. Once 9-1-1 personnel have alerted Fire Rescue, and the hazard and risk to the public has been assessed, arrangements will be made with BC Hydro or another utility provider to repair the downed power line.

always assume a downed or damaged wire is live, even if it’s not sparking, smoking, or making any sound;

stay back at least 10 metres (33 feet) – that’s about the length of a city bus;

make sure other people who are nearby stay at least 10 metres back as well;

if there is a vehicle accident involving a power line or pole, always assume the vehicle is energized with electricity and therefore a danger – stay back at least 10 metres, call 9-1-1, and tell the people inside the vehicle to stay where they are;

if your vehicle contacts a power pole, drive out from under the pole or wire if you can do so safely, and travel the length of a bus before stopping; and

if it’s not safe to drive your vehicle, stay where you are until help arrives (learn more at bchydro.com).

Power lines can be damaged at any time of the year, but it’s more likely to happen in the fall and winter due to windstorms. Visit portmoody.ca/windstorms to find out how to stay safe during a windstorm.